Two win Soroptimists scholarships

The Soroptimist International Chino Hills/Inland Empire awarded its signature club scholarships to Elizabeth Acker from the Chino Hills High School and to Carina Rodriguez from Ayala High School, with both demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities and service to their communities.

Carina Rodriguez wrote about the need for women to stay focused on achieving equality in the workplace and in society. She noted that this is not an outdated concept, but rather a topic that must constantly be addressed by women lest the gains women have achieved so far are lost.

Carina has served in a leadership capacity by being an officer in her school's Polynesian Club; the SAVE Club; and the FBLA club. She was also very active in her church and volunteered in various capacities, including choir, altar server, festival volunteer, and Power Point. She will be attending La Verne University in the fall.

Elizabeth Acker demonstrated not only leadership, but also scholarship by being a member of the National Honors Society, as well as holding numerous board positions for the Associated Student Body including Class of 2013 presidentl, secretary/treasurer; commissioner of performing arts and commissioner of concessions. In her essay she wrote passionately about the pressure asserted on young women by society's preconceived ideas of what constitutes "perfect beauty" as being defined by business advertising and the mainstream media. The pressure to conform is intense, and unrealistic, while failing to address other necessary qualities such as intelligence, creativity, personality and achievement.

The scholarship amount awarded will be sent directly to the school for each awardee to be used for books, fees or tuition.

Soroptimist International is an international service organization that focuses on bettering the lives of women and girls in their local communities and throughout the world. Information: www.sichie.org.